Safely Reopening

Chicago Public Schools Hosts Feedback Meetings This Week on Reopening Plan

• By Yvonne Marquez
• 07/27/20

Chicago Public Schools is hosting several virtual meetings this week to discuss feedback on the district’s reopening plans for the fall. The first one was held Monday morning, reports NBC Chicago.

The district’s reopening framework includes plans for a hybrid model of learning that combines in-person learning and remote learning for students in kindergarten through 10th grade. Both half and full day pre-K programs will learn at school while juniors and seniors will learn entirely at home.

Under the hybrid model students will be placed in “pods” of about 15 students during the school day in order to minimize exposure and support rapid contract tracing if a student should get COVID-19. Pods will be given assigned homerooms with assigned seating and will use the same designated spaces in buildings.

Each pod would spend the same two days each week at school and the same two days at home. Every Wednesday, students would participate in real-time virtual instruction with their teacher.

The district’s plan also includes “rigorous public health protocols” including a requirement for masks, daily health screenings, temperature checks and hiring more custodians.

CPS is seeking feedback from the community before making any final decisions in August. CPS launched a survey for families, students and staff to submit feedback by July 31, which can be found here.

CPS will hold virtual meetings, three in English and two in Spanish, to solicit feedback as well. Registration is required to participate in the meetings which will be held each day this week.